Japanese Calligraphy (Shodo)

Japanese calligraphy (shodo – the way of writing) is a fine art of expressing the beauty of Japanese syllabaries (Kana). There are variety styles of traditional Japanese calligraphy can be found which have been practicing by the master artists especially in Japan. An artist follows different techniques and uses tools to make a perfect calligraphy. A master intends to bring his best work of art by using a bamboo brush, white paper, ink, ink-stone, and paperweight. The real beauty of calligraphy depends on three things: shape and position of the characters down, force of the brushstrokes, and the stages of the ink.

Japanese Calligraphy (Shodo) is Being Performed by a Student. Photo Credit: Eco Dalla Luna at Flickr.

It is a custom that Japanese children have to learn the basics of calligraphy. I was taught this lesson when I was an elementary school student. My experience with calligraphy classes can’t be forgotten until my last breath. The way our master gave us every lesson was pretty interesting and harmonious. The lessons used to begin with a demonstration by the master. We all the students were curious and hardly take our eyes off of the strokes of his brush. If you are interested in Japanese calligraphy, you can learn it here in Japan. There are well renowned institutions that teach calligraphy across Japan. I would try to inform you some of the institutions names you could learn it from.

History of Japanese Calligraphy

Kaisyo Japanese Calligraphy. Photo Credit: Kanko at Flickr.

Calligraphy is an ancient art of East Asia. It spread its popularity from Ancient Chinese civilization to modern Japan era. In general, Japanese calligraphy was greatly influenced by the Chinese calligraphy. In the sixth century it was first introduced to Japan from its neighboring country China. Though, history indicates that the art of Japanese calligraphy begins approximately 2000 years after the first linguistically stable Chinese calligraphy scripts, the bronze inscriptions and the oracle bone script had evolved.

During the Heian period (794-1185), the new traditional Japanese style of calligraphic writing emerged under the reign of one Emperor Saga. Even though Japanese calligraphy developed gradually from Chinese Calligraphy, as time progressed, Japanese artist had begun to refine the Chinese style into their own. They started writing Kanji, Hiragana and Katakana syllabaries in their Calligraphy art. At first, Calligraphy in Japan was not that much popular but it had flourished between 794 and 1185. This is the period which is seen to be the Golden Age of Japanese calligraphy.

Kanji Symbols in Japanese Calligraphy. Photo Credit: miheco at Flickr.

In Kamakura period (1185-1333), is remarkable for two things: one is for leading role of the military establishment pervaded the culture and other one is for emerging Zen Buddhism in the land of the rising sun. Many Zen Monks went to China to study Buddhism and they bought some objects from there. One of the objects they bought was the copybooks that are considered highly influential for the karayō (唐様) tradition, expressing a clear view of kaisho style. Zen monks used to create Zen calligraphy by clearing their minds following a rule that the brush strokes cannot be corrected.

Muromachi period (1336-1537), the art of Japanese calligraphy continued to flourish even though during that time civil war and political unrest spread throughout the country. This was the time when calligraphy first was introduced to tea ceremony and since then it has been an integral part of it.

During the Edo period (1603-1868) this distinct Japanese art was exported and introduced to Western cultures. This actually happened during the middle of this time. As Edo period is known for a policy developed in which the country isolated itself from outside influence. This indicates that, this policy helped Japanese artists to concentrate on their own style of calligraphy techniques.

In this 21st century, people of Japan know how to respect this form of Japanese art which truly represent the whole nation. Elementary school students have to learn the basics, some university offers calligraphy courses, many calligraphy learning institutes were formed across Japan, exhibitions of calligraphy were held over time here in Japan as well as outside Japan.

Characteristics of Japanese Calligraphy

A Japanese Calligrapher in Nara, Japan. Photo Credit: Tim Notari at Flickr.

There are some distinct characteristics of Japanese Calligraphy. In fact, it represents more than just writing. Please take a look at the main characteristics given below:

3) There are three basic styles of Japanese calligraphy, they are: Kaisho, Gyousho, Sousho, Tensho, and Reisho.

4) The script must be white in color and its size and shape should be square.

5) All characters must be able to be written from only eight strokes.

6) The artist carefully chooses and balanced the size of characters.

7) The piece’s straight lines should be appeared clear and bold.

8) The art work appears to exhibit rhythm.

9) The script is mainly written from left to right and top to bottom.

10) Use of more or consistent amount of ink depends on the artist’s preference.

Japanese Calligraphy Tools

There is a list of Japanese calligraphy tools can be seen. In fact, all these tools are handy to create works of art.

1) Fude: Fude (brush) is the most important calligraphy tool. Two types of brushes are used, the hosofude (slender brush) and the futofude (thick brush). Brushes are crafted from bamboo and usually used fur of wolf, badger, horse and squirrel.

Fude: the Brush. Photo Credit: geraldford at Flickr.

2) Sumi: Sumi (ink) is one of the tools of four treasure of Japanese calligraphy. This is an essential tool which you must need to draw syllabaries. This ink is made from charcoal.

How to do Japanese Calligraphy?

It is a common question to those who are really interested in this Japanese art and want to learn it step by step. Initially, to make Japanese calligraphy two things should be in your mind: 1) Script style, 2) Use of Kanji or Japanese phrases you want to write in your calligraphy. You have to choose a place and set up your mat. Now place your white paper on the mat. Then, you place the paperweight on it so that it does not move and stay stable. Then please follow the following steps to get the job done:

Step 1: Firstly, you as a calligrapher, pour some water in the inkstone.

Step 2: Secondly, you grab the sumi (ink) and rub it gently on the inkstone.

Step 3: Thirdly, take one of the brushes you want to start with and dip in the inkstone.

Step 4: Fourthly, clear your mind and then paint a character onto the white paper.

My advice is to you – please clear your mind, take a deep breath, concentrate sharply, stay calm and then paint it seriously.

Calligraphy in Japanese Culture

Japanese Calligraphy Exhibition in Tokyo. Photo Credit: John Gillespie at Flickr.

Japanese calligraphy is like images without form, music without sound. What do you think of this sentence? I think, that is a perfect way of defining Japanese calligraphy. Japanese c culture is widely known for its fine arts and calligraphy is one of them. It does represent our country with pride that has a long history and facts. It is also a vital part of your culture. Many calligraphy exhibitions are held throughout the year in Japan that surly attract calligraphy lovers from all over the world. They gather in one place with a lot of joys and imagine the beauty of Japanese calligraphy.

The skills that you need to do calligraphy cannot be achieved in a short period of time. It takes time to be a master and expert in it. As it is closely related to ink painting, many of you think it is an easy job to do but real thing is that you have to practice a lot. One has to be patient and experienced enough. Thinking of this ideology, children of Japan start learning it at elementary school. One can even take higher education on this subject at university level.

Calligraphy lessons were studied by aristocrats, poets and samurai. If you ever visit any samurai residences in Japan you could experience calligraphy display there. Traditionally, calligraphy has been highly valued in the Japanese court. In this modern Japan, we can find many known and unknown famous calligraphy masters in Japan for example, Mr. Koji Kakinuma who is a popular calligrapher of modern Japan.

Buddhist monks in Japan practice Zen style calligraphy over time. You can see their calligraphy art works at various Zen Buddhist temples in Kyoto. A lot of Japanese souvenir shops sell calligraphy written with variety kanji characters. People of Japan décor their houses with calligraphy that are painted with meaningful Kanji symbols such as they feature the Kanji symbols of Love, Longevity, Happiness, Peace, Prosperity, Dragon and etc.

We show our greatest love to the fine art Calligraphy. Every now and then, it has fascinated not only Japanese culture but also influenced other parts of the world.

Where to Learn Calligraphy in Japan?

I have listed some institutions that offer calligraphy courses for beginners. Though, if want to be smart enough you could read a very useful book written on Japanese calligraphy. Please check this book out here. It is resourceful and more importantly you are going to need this even when start your calligraphy class in Japan. The book would guide you how to do Japanese calligraphy though you need a complete set of Calligraphy tools, please check it out here.

You can contact via email or make a phone call to one of these Japanese calligraphy learning institutes. I strongly suggest you to visit their own contact pages. Except that, there are some tour operators that offers a day calligraphy learning lesson with the help of real calligraphy artists in Japan.

Learn Calligraphy Lesson Online for Free

Three Beautiful Japanese Calligraphies. Photo Credit: R Pahre at Flickr.

Hands on training and online training methods are not the same thing. They follow a different approach of teaching methods. One can learn Japanese language online, there is no problem but it comes to learn an art like calligraphy then you have to think twice for deciding “Would I be able to learn it fully online?” The true thing is that – you are not going to learn it fully online. You require a master beside you who guides you with his/her skilled hands. However, learning the basic of Japanese calligraphy online is possible. That’s why I recommend these websites to learn basics calligraphy.

The art of shodo reminds me of something that I left a long time ago. I am not a master of Japanese calligraphy but I learned its basics techniques which I believe I have achieved a knowledge that can’t be taken away from me. It remains with me forever.

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